Hawaii-based accelerator Elemental Excelerator is partnering with Florida-based NextEra Energy to offer startups a chance to earn up to $250,000 in non-dilutive funding if they can provide software and hardware solutions for NextEra.
The partnership is through the Elemental's Navigator hub for corporate and startup collaboration. Applications can be submitted now, with a deadline of Dec. 3. A pitch event will be held Dec. 16 for finalists.
The goal of the New Era of Energy Challenge is to provide Florida with the means to continue a transition to clean energy. NextEra Energy owns Florida Power & Light Company, which supports over 11 million residents.
The winner, or winners, of the projects — which include means of powering and heating homes, and augmenting of transportation — must begin operations between March 31 and June 30, 2022, and complete them by the end of 2022.
Those selected are also eligible for an extended partnership with NextEra Energy's business units, according to Elemental Excelerator.
Aneri Pradhan, Elemental's senior partnerships manager, told Pacific Business News via email, "Elemental is excited to partner with NextEra Energy on this challenge to drive business collaboration. The opportunity to combine some of today's cutting-edge innovations with NextEra Energy's ability to scale those solutions will have significant impact on Florida's energy transition."
NextEra Energy is not seeking project developers selling third-party products, companies without an operating prototype, consulting firms, or marketing or PR agencies.
NextEra Energy attempted to purchase Hawaiian Electric Industries in 2016 for $4.3 billion, but the deal was shot down by Hawaii regulators. NextEra subsequently pulled out of a series of energy and infrastructure projects in the state.
